Disunity in Philippi: Ambition, Humility, and the Health of the Church

 Uniting Heaven and Earth

Christ in Philippians and Colossians 

Lesson 4 - Sunday 

Disunity in Philippi

Read: Philippians 2:1–3

The church in Philippi was deeply loved by the apostle Paul. It was a generous, mission-minded congregation, yet it was not immune to internal tension. By the time Paul wrote his letter, signs of disunity had begun to surface. Rather than addressing a single doctrinal error, Paul points to relational and attitudinal problems—issues that often do the most damage within a faithful church.

In Philippians 2:1–3, Paul appeals to the believers on the basis of what they already share in Christ: encouragement, love, fellowship in the Spirit, and compassion. His words suggest that the problem in Philippi was not a lack of spiritual resources, but a failure to live consistently with them. When believers forget what unites them in Christ, personal ambition and wounded pride easily take over.

Several factors appear to have contributed to the disunity. Paul warns against selfish ambition and vain conceit. These attitudes point to competition for influence, recognition, or control. Instead of serving one another, some were likely advancing personal interests, even if it harmed the unity of the body. Such motives fracture relationships and quietly replace the gospel with the self at the center.

Paul’s remedy is both simple and demanding. He calls the church to unity of mind and spirit, grounded in humility. “In humility value others above yourselves” (Phil. 2:3). This is not a call to self-hatred or passivity, but to a deliberate reorientation of the heart. The antidote to disunity is not better organization or stronger leadership alone, but Christlike humility that puts others first.

This humility flows directly from the gospel. Because Christ has already humbled Himself for us, we are free to let go of pride, rivalry, and the need to be right or recognized. When believers choose humility, unity becomes possible—not because everyone agrees on everything, but because love governs how disagreements are handled.

Paul will soon point to Jesus Himself as the supreme example of this mindset (Phil. 2:5–11). But even here, the message is clear: a church divided by selfish ambition cannot faithfully reflect Christ. Unity is preserved when believers consciously choose humility, mutual care, and a shared focus on the mission of Christ rather than personal agendas.

Disunity rarely begins with open conflict. More often, it starts quietly in the heart—with pride, comparison, and unmet expectations. Paul’s counsel invites us to examine our own motives and to ask whether we are contributing to unity or eroding it. The health of the church depends not on perfect people, but on humble ones.

Prayer

Lord, we thank You for the encouragement, love, and fellowship we have in Christ. Search our hearts and reveal any pride, selfish ambition, or desire for recognition that threatens unity. Teach us true humility—the kind that values others above ourselves and reflects the mind of Christ. Heal divisions where they exist, and help Your church to stand united in love, purpose, and mission. May our unity bring glory to Your name. Amen.

More on Lesson 4 Unity through Humility

This Quarter's Sabbath School Lessons Here: Christ in Philippians and Colossians